The Nerazzurri struggled to break down an organized Gialloblu outfit, who also looked extremely dangerous at the other end of the field. Rocchi popped up with the winner with just nine minutes remaining, though, to not only steal three precious points that have propelled Inter into fifth place in the Serie A standings, but also ease the pressure on Stramaccioni after a run of three successive defeats in all competitions.

"I am happy with the goal, primarily because it has given us a victory; that's a source of beautiful satisfaction," the 35-year-old Rocchi told Sky Sport Italia after the game. "We are going through a difficult moment, but, for me, today we have given everything. Our coach always gives 100 percent, just like the rest of us. We are united in our goal to finish the season well.

"We will now enjoy this victory but then we will play from here until the end without doing any calculations and see where we finish."

Rocchi admitted his winning goal was also of enormous personal satisfaction because it means, after a slow start to his San Siro career, he has now netted two goals in his last three appearances in the league.

"I'm certainly playing more of late and I want to do my best," the veteran striker explained. "It's clear that playing with more consistency gives you more rhythm."

Inter's victory means they are now just two points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, although the Viola have a game in hand.